Copy of `Itz Caribbean - Black Hair Glossary`

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AfroA hair style made popular in the 1960's, where the natural hair is picked and moulded into a large, rounded shape.

BondingBonding is a a great way to add volume or vibrant streaks of color to your natural hair, and temporary weaving method. Hair is glued to the roots of the hair with a latex or surgical type adhesive.

BraidTo weave strands of hair together. On the scalp braiding: is used to form a base or track to sew on a commercial weft. This is the cornrow technique. Off the scalp braiding: is used for traditional braiding styles and various methods adding extensions such as Warlocks.

Bulk HairTerm for loose commercial hair, mainly used for strand bonding and braiding. This hair is used for creating wefts or for services like fusion.

ClarifierA clarifying shampoo is slightly stronger than everyday shampoos and is designed to remove products, hard water or chlorine residue that have built-up over time. These types of shampoos usually have a higher pH level and therefore should not be used regularly as they may dry out the hair and scalp. Use every 2-4 shampoos or the week before a chemical treatment. Always finish with a conditioner.

CornrowCornrows are flat braids or tracks that lay very close to the scalp. Cornrows can be used to create many diffrent styles and can also can have hair extensions added in.

DreadlocksA hairstyle in which the hair naturally or through manipulation is encouraged to matte and form a cylindrical, rope-like pattern. Dreadlocks may take several months to well over a year to form and are considered a permanent style. In order to remove dreadlocks, one must cut them.

FusionThe process of attaching small pieces of human hair with a special adhesive and a thermal gun. This is a hair to hair process, no tracks are required. This method allows for free movement of hair extensions.

Hair Weft ClipsTo attach hair wefts by clips. Clips are placed in the hair and snapped close. Wefts are held securely in place.

HeatclampsA heat gun that is used to seal synthetic hair. Used for creating warlocks and other styles.

InterlockingA method in which hair is maintained or tightened using a tool.

KanekalonA trademark for a Japanese-made synthetic fiber which is used extensively in the manufacture of wigs and hairpieces. It`s popularity is due to its ability to retain its shape after washing, and also to the fine texture of the fiber, making it a desirable choice for simulating the texture of human hair. There are different qualities of Kanekalon fiber.

LyeA chemical straightening treatment commonly used to relax hair. The active ingredient is sodium hydroxide, there are many No Lye products also available.

Micro Linking TechniqueThe process of attaching hair wefts without braids. The links are sewn on to the wefted hair. The user's natural hair is pulled through and locked secure. This system is highly recommended for natural hair that is too fine or soft to hold other weave techniques.

MonofilamentFine, transparent nylon or silk mesh with hairs individually hand-knotted into the mesh. Allows the hair to fall naturally and gives more versatility in styling. Very suitable for persons with extensive hair loss, as the color of the scalp underneath shows through, creating the illusion of hair growing out of your scalp.

Palm RollingA technique used to smooth out the shaft of a loc by rolling it, with or without product, between the palms of the hands.

RelaxerA chemical process by which the hair is permanently straightened. New-growth areas have to be maintained via "touch-ups" to continue the straightened pattern. A relaxer penetrates the cortex and breaking the hairs' natural chemical bonds which originally caused it to be curly. Once these chemical bonds are broken, they can not be repaired so the hair is unable to return to its natural state.

Remi/Remy hairRefers to human hair (usually Indian in origin) which has been cut a single donor, from root to end, with all of the cuticle going in the same direction. It is different from Virgin hair as it may be colored or permed, but has not had the cuticle removed. It is generally soft and silky, and is used in making higher quality wigs, extensions, and hair systems.

SteamingThe process by which most synthetic fiber is curled at the factory. The curl pattern in a synthetic wig or hairpiece may be changed by setting it in rollers or clips, and using an ordinary hand-held clothing steamer on them. After steaming the curls, let the fiber get completely cool before removing the pins or rollers.

Strand Bond WeavesThis technique uses strands of hair attached to existing hair with specially formulated hair adhesives. This is a good method for for those who want long lasting wear, from 3 to 6 months.

TexturizerA texturizer is a mild relaxing treatment. Instead of causing the hair to be "bone straight," this chemical treatment is left on for a shorter period of time. The idea is to slightly relax the natural curl in African hair so that it's more manageable and with proper maintenance, one can mimic curly styles.

Thermal ProcessTemporarily straightening the hair with a heated iron.

TrackParting or a cornrow that establishes the placement pattern of wefts or strand additions.

Virgin HairThis term refers to human hair which is still in its original state as harvested from the grower, and which has not been permed, colored, or chemically processed in any way. It is carefully cut from the grower with the cuticle going in the same direction and preserved to maximize its special quality. Harvesting the hair in this manner takes more time, which contributes to the premium price of this...

WeavingThe process of forming a base (or track) along the scalp to attach wefted hair. This process is not limited to the cornrow method. Several other popular methods are the Euro lock, Microlinking, and Bonding.

WeftWefted hair for extensions are held together with fine threads, either machine wefted and hand tied. Most hair used for extensions is machine wefted in fine, medium or heavy wefts. Medium wefts being the most commonly used. Hand tied wefted hair is generally more expensive but is better quality and can be more durable.

WigThe term used to describe any hairpiece with a full cap which covers the hair on the head, or the entire area where hair normally grows, as a substitute for hair. The purpose of a wig is to create your ideal look.

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